I’d had enough. My temper snapped. “I’m not going to marry him, Dad. Both of you stop this charade right now.”

Penn glowered, hiding his glare as my dad laughed. “You say that now.” He tapped my cheek like a child. “I know when there is connection and chemistry. And you two have it in spades.”

He backed toward the door. “In fact, I’m going to leave you in peace, but you have my blessing. Both of you.” He glanced at Penn. “I’m glad we had that chat at the bar. I know a bit about you, Mr. Everett, so you’re not a total stranger. However, when you get a chance, how about a round of golf or a beer to patch up any remaining holes in my knowledge? Eventually, I’d love to meet your benefactor and any other family you might have.”

“Of course.” Penn bowed his head with old-fashioned respect. “At the soonest opportunity.” He grabbed my hand, holding me tight. “And please, call me Penn.”

What would Dad say when he found out Penn had a son?

What would I say when I found out what Penn did for a living and why my father valued his success so highly?

What would any of us say when the truth came out, and this was over?

My father opened my office door, beaming so bright I thought he’d swallowed a star. “All right then, Penn.” He chuckled. “Well, Penn, play your cards right, and soon, I’ll be calling you son-in-law.” Blowing me a kiss, he added, “Welcome to the family, son.”

I waved like a robot as he disappeared and closed the door.

He left.

I lost it.

Whirling on Penn, I hissed, “Get out. Right now.”

He grabbed my cheeks, yanking my face to his. His lips collided hard and brutal, his tongue lashing mine into submission.

I didn’t fall for his seduction this time. Shoving him, I darted around my desk and pressed the intercom to Fleur.

She answered right away as Penn stalked me, coming closer with a shadowed look in his gaze.

“Anything I can get you?” Fleur’s voice helped remind me the world hadn’t stepped into the twilight zone, and I was still the queen of this establishment.

Sage stood proudly on my desk, giving Penn an evil cat-smile, knowing he was in trouble.

Straightening my shoulders and drawing up every ounce of courage, I snipped. “Yes, call security. My fiancé needs help leaving the building.”

Chapter Twenty

I MANAGED TO avoid my husband-to-be for three days.

He called the office.

He somehow got my cellphone number.

He already had my father on his side.

And he’d corrupted my body against me.

But he hadn’t succeeded in controlling my mind, and he definitely hadn’t mastered my heart.

I was weak where he was concerned, I would admit that. And he’d drawn me into his untruths to the point I couldn’t look my father in the eye and tell him it was all a big fabrication.

He was too happy. His skin was rosier, his walk bouncier, and his outlook on life chirpier. Fears about his heart and another attack kept me from shattering his happiness.

For now, I’d let him believe Penn and I were together. But once I’d earned what I wanted from him and was no longer a virgin with commitment issues, I would break it off, end the fake engagement, and go on with my life.

Who knew, perhaps I would surprise everyone and accept Greg as my future partner because at least he was normal and predictable. I could have my fling with danger and then appreciate Greg all the more.

Everyone used everyone else. I didn’t let guilt eat at me for using Penn—especially when he was the one using me just as much.

“We’re here, Ms. Charlston. Would you like me to wait, or do you believe the meeting will last a while?” David twisted in the driver’s seat to face me sitting in the back.

My hair hung neatly over my shoulder, my black skirt with cream lace belt and Chinese blossom jacket painted me as the leader of the largest retail chain in the USA.

I clutched the folder on my lap. “The last time I met with this supplier, I didn’t leave for four hours.”

“I remember.” David grinned. “I also recall you texting me apologetically saying you wouldn’t be much longer.”

I nodded. I was younger then and less adept at offsite meetings and the guilt at leaving David waiting in a car for so long. That was his job—along with other tasks, but I didn’t expect him to be bored or uncomfortable.

“If you have errands you’d like to run, feel free. I’ll call thirty minutes before it’s due to end to give you time to return.”

“Are you sure?” His large bulk twisted further in the seat. “If you think it’s only going to be a short meeting, I’ll wait.”

I shook my head. “I’d rather know you were busy than bored.”

His ebony skin bounced the streetlight off his forehead as he laughed. “Sure. Well, I’ll have my phone, and I’ll keep an eye on the time. If I haven’t heard from you by ten p.m., I’ll head back anyway.”

“Okay.” Hoisting the files into my arm and grabbing my handbag, I let myself out of the Range Rover and smiled at the doormen who bid me welcome to the Blue Rabbit.

I’d eaten here before. The tapas menu served second-to-none delicacies with delectable samplers. Not that I’d been able to eat very much because last time had been a business meeting, just like tonight.

Most of my social engagements, minus the last-minute high school get-togethers, were with bigwigs from other companies, improving our relationships or building on already established trade agreements.